Faces.

Stella is not one to smile on cue--like Presley always has. Instead here are a few of her faces:




I can't believe she is growing up! Update--she is still on pancreatic enzymes but we have her up to 7 foods. Despite a bad case of diaper rash she is happy and we will just continue on the slow path of adding foods and seeing how she does.

By the way, Stella looks just like my sister Krista at this age--pig-tails, eyes, lips, everything. I need to post a picture of Krista so you can see for yourselves!

Quiet Time update.

Though Presley needs a nap (made evident by her falling asleep in primary today while singing "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes"), she still finds a way to have a little fun in her room before she falls asleep.

Resolve.

This year (because writing it down and sharing should make me more accountable) I will:

• Spend more time having FUN (no-stress, easy fun) with the kids
• Go on a VACATION with Chris
• Loose myself to find myself--I am not sure how . . . .
• Exercise (my body, mind, and soul need this again)

What are you doing?

Life saver.

Last summer Presley stopped taking an afternoon nap--to everyone's dismay. Once preschool started I figured she would go back to taking one, because she really DOES need it. No such luck, until Monday when this arrived:


I am in heaven! Presley is happy to sit in her room for quiet time (for which 5 of the last 6 days she has taken a 2 hour + nap). She loves being able to know when it is "OK" to get out of her room in the morning and when it is time for quiet time to end.

I recommend everyone buy this. I first saw this clock on a friend of a friend's blog and thought it was a good idea--I wish I would have purchased it a year ago. $29.99 "OK to Wake" from American Innovative (they make a similar model that is more expensive that is also supposed to help kids tell time).

Winter = Snow.

Our life in the winter is consumed by the cold, white stuff. But the girls are following in their father's footsteps--they love the snow and ask to play in it everyday.





Stella is still trying to get used to the gear you have to wear--she can hardly move around she is so bundled up.

Santa Came!

Our Christmas morning in photos--so much fun with the kids.






All Presley wanted from Santa was a Wheely Ladybug, like Stella's Wheely Bee--they are still racing all around the house--I love it!

Christmas Eve.

On Christmas Eve we opened presents from my side of the family--my parents were still in NC with my sister and her new babies . . . this is what you missed!






The girls loved the movies, dolls, dress-ups, and games. Thank you, we missed you all! After gifts we went outside to sprinkle "reindeer food" for Santa and his reindeer--it worked they found our house (thanks Tami!).

Cute matching pjs Grandma!

Santa.

Presley had a holiday performance at her preschool--Mormor and grandpa Carl came up to see the songs and dancing. We made a day of it and got lunch at the local Mexican place after we had cookies and treats.



The best part probably had to be Stella's face when I sat her in Santa's lap--priceless.

The Twins!

My sister had her babies on Friday, December 11th. CONGRATULATIONS!

Jonas Robert Faulkner and Elliot Thomas Faulkner

Tree.

This is only the third tree that we have had in 10 years--sad, I know. I can't believe how perfect this one is. For now the tree is only decorated with white lights . . . I am still trying to decide whether or not to add ornaments and other decoration (I need a topper for sure). Perhaps by Christmas it will look a bit different.